Welcome to the New Year, Neighbors!
There is so much to look forward to in 2019. Continue to check this e-newsletter for information all year long about what's coming up, including County meetings, job fairs, pet vaccination clinics, and fun things to do in your forest preserves.
Here's a day to be excited about! Did you know Jan. 21 is National Hugging Day? Hugging is good for you, not only because it's great to get a hug, but it also can help decrease your risk of heart disease and lower blood pressure. Don't forget to give a friend or family member a hug!
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County Board members have begun to address important issues in 2019 such as the environment, transportation, health-related issues and more as standing committees began to convene last week. The County Board has 10 standing committees.
New this year is the Energy and Environment Committee that will focus on sustainability, as well as energy and environmental policy, and energy and environment legislation. The other change this year is that some committee meetings will take place at the Lake County Central Permit Facility in Libertyville, as well as Lake County Courthouse and Administrative Building in Waukegan. Previously, all meetings took place in Waukegan.
View agendas for all committee meetings and listen to audio recordings. You can also sign up to receive notifications of all County committee and board meetings through the County’s Notify Me® tool.
Health and Wellness Expo
Enjoy free group exercise classes, personal training demos, health screenings and more at the health and wellness expo from 8 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 19 at FitNation, 1655 Nations Drive, Gurnee.
Waukegan CERT Training
Learn about disaster preparedness as the Waukegan Fire Department offers its next Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) class starting Feb. 28. The free nine-week class will start Feb. 28 at Fire Station #5. Complete an application.
Bilingual storytime
Did you know that the Village of Beach Park and the Zion-Benton Public Library have partnered to bring library programs closer to Beach Park residents? All programs are offered at Village Hall and are free. Learn more
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The Lake County Clerk’s Office is seeking election judges to process voters in their neighborhood Election Day voting site during the April 2 Consolidated Election! Sign up today by filling out this application.
Election judges are paid based on successfully completing a three-hour in-person training class and their Election Day assignment. Contact the Lake County Clerk’s Election Judge Department for details on class times, locations, and availability at electionjudge@lakecountyil.gov or 847-377-2408. For job descriptions and pay rates, visit the election judge web page.
Already an election judge? Provide your availability to the County Clerk’s Office as soon as possible and don’t forget to invite a friend to be an election judge!
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Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’” As we observe Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Jan. 21, help serve your community. There are many opportunities to volunteer with Lake County government!
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Adopt A Highway: Help keep Lake County highways and bike paths clean by adopting a section of a county highway that you and your group commit to cleaning twice a year. Learn more, including the available sections and sign up online! The deadline to apply is Feb. 1.
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Government boards, agencies and commissions: Apply to serve on various boards, commissions, and other special purpose units of government ranging from drainage and fire districts, transportation services and human services boards. Learn more
- View all volunteer opportunities
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Homeowners are urged to test radon levels in their homes and apartments during the winter months, when indoor radon levels are at their highest.
Radon is an odorless and colorless gas that naturally occurs in rock and soil and can seep into homes from the soil through cracks in the basement floors and foundations, crawl spaces, poorly sealed sump pumps, porous cinder block walls and other foundation floor and wall penetrations. Watch this video to learn ways to protect your home.
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Starting to make your travel plans this year? Make sure getting or renewing your passport is part of your plans! Apply for or renew your passport at one of the several Mobile Passport Events the Lake County Circuit Clerk’s Office will host this year. View the full schedule.
Passport applications also are processed from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday at the Circuit Clerk's Office in Waukegan. View application requirements, including fee information.
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Individuals who earned $66,000 or less in 2018 can self-file their federal and state taxes for free and save an average of $200 in fees by using My Free Taxes. English and Spanish support via telephone (1-855-MY-TX-HELP) is available, along with email and online chat support from IRS-certified specialists. Learn more about My Free Taxes.
Did you know more than one in seven jobs in Lake County is in the manufacturing industry. In fact, Lake County manufacturers employ more people than any other private sector industry. Find out more in Lake County Partners’ latest economic update.
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Forest Preserve News
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New Special Exhibition at the Dunn Museum
Celebrate African American History Month by learning about the Booker T. Washington Progressive Club, an African American-led civic organization located in Zion, IL, from 1936–1982. The Club’s mission was to unite individuals “interested in promoting the cause of good citizenship, better civic relations and any topic that improved local relationships.” This special exhibition runs Saturday, Jan. 19 to Sunday, Feb. 24 at the Dunn Museum (Libertyville). The Dunn Museum is located in the General Offices of the Lake County Forest Preserves at 1899 W. Winchester Road and is within walking distance from multiple Pace bus stops. Plan your visit today »
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Meet the Author
Join us on Saturday, Jan. 26 at 10:30 a.m. at the Dunn Museum to explore the life of Civil War drummer boy, Orian Howe of Waukegan. Author Marlene Brill will read from her children’s book, Diary of a Drummer Boy. Following the reading, there will be crafts, activities and a book signing. Learn more »
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Dunn Museum’s Collections Significant to Native Artists
Last summer, the Dunn Museum’s collections staff welcomed traditional Native artists and researchers, Pat Kruse, of the Red Cliff Band of Superior Chippewa Indians (descendent of Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe), and Terri Hom, of the Lac Courte Oreilles Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians (Ojibwe). Kruse was one of eight accomplished artists awarded the 2018 Native Arts and Cultures Foundation (NACF) Mentor Artist Fellowship. Kruse began a yearlong mentorship with apprentice, Terri Hom, to create birch bark quill art. Kruse and Hom researched the Dunn Museum’s Native American collection with special focus on 19th and early 20th century artifacts with cultural ties to their heritage and use of beadwork, quillwork and birch bark. Learn more about the Dunn Museum and its collections »
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Where Will Your Kids Grow This Summer?
Registration for our 2019 camp season is now open. Camps are led by professional educators trained in supervision, safety and activity development. Early bird discounts are available through Feb. 15. Programs fill quickly so enroll early. Register online today »
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